Letter: Does it have to be cars vs. bikes?

Come on Fort Collins, what will it take for it to become bikes and cars instead of versus each other? Part of what it will take is an evolution of attitudes. Bikes are considered a vehicle (Colorado Department of Transportation rules), albeit slower-moving ones, and are entitled to a lane. And just as some motorists disobey traffic laws, some cyclists disobey rules of the road as well.

As a 120 miles/week bike commuter, I am getting tired of being asked why cyclists don’t obey the traffic laws. As a cyclist, I don’t need to answer for errant, stop-sign blowing hipsters on single speeds any more than I need to answer for cell phone or texting drivers who exceed the speed limit on Interstate 25. Both forms of vehicle operators can and do break the law.

Fortunately, the majority of motorists and cyclists follow the rules and are increasingly co-existing. Cycling in Fort Collins is much safer that it was 25 years ago, and I am sure will continue to evolve. But I am so tired of the overt or covert attitude that cyclists are second-class citizens who should be on the sidewalk and who should pay taxes to use our streets. And that when we get injured or killed, it’s our own fault. Come on people, let’s not punish all because of the behaviors of the few.